Every Common Pest in Oklahoma You Should Know About

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Oklahoma’s diverse climate and landscape provide the perfect habitat for a wide range of pests—some are nuisances, while others pose risks to health, safety, and property. Whether you’re battling invaders in your home, business, lawn, or garden, identifying the most common pests in the state is your first step toward effective control. This guide covers over 20 of the most frequently encountered pests in Oklahoma.

Ants

Ants are among the most common and persistent pests in Oklahoma, frequently invading homes, gardens, and commercial properties in search of food and moisture:

• Odorous House Ants emit a foul smell when crushed.
• Carpenter Ants can damage wood structures.
• Fire Ants are aggressive and deliver painful, venomous stings.
• Attracted to food and moisture, ants often invade kitchens, pantries, and bathrooms.

Ash Borer (Emerald Ash Borer)

This invasive, metallic-green beetle is one of the most destructive tree pests in the U.S., and it has made its way into Oklahoma.

• Adults lay eggs on tree bark; larvae tunnel under and disrupt water flow.
• Infestation signs include D-shaped exit holes and canopy dieback.
• Once infested, trees typically die within a few years.

Assassin Bugs

Known for their stealthy hunting skills, assassin bugs are beneficial garden predators that help control pest populations.

• Feed on aphids, caterpillars, and other pests.
• The "kissing bug" variety is rare but known to transmit Chagas disease.
• Should not be handled barehanded.

Bagworms

Bagworms are caterpillars that create protective cases using silk and bits of foliage from host plants, making them difficult to spot.

• Common on junipers, cedars, and arborvitae.
• Heavy infestations cause defoliation and plant death.
• Handpick small infestations; use insecticides if widespread.

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs are flat, reddish-brown insects that feed on human blood at night and hide in crevices during the day.

• Feed on blood during the night, leaving itchy, red welts.
• Spread quickly in hotels, dorms, and multi-unit housing.
• Professional heat or chemical treatments are usually necessary.

Brown Recluse Spider

Feared for its venomous bite, the brown recluse is one of the most dangerous spiders in Oklahoma.

• Identified by the violin-shaped marking on its back.
• Bite can cause tissue necrosis, requiring medical attention.
• Prefers dark, undisturbed spaces like attics and storage boxes.

Cockroaches

Cockroaches are resilient pests that pose serious health risks due to their ability to spread bacteria, allergens, and parasites.

• American and German cockroaches are most common indoors.
• Spread bacteria and allergens.
• Prevention includes sealing entry points and eliminating food/water sources.

Cucumber Beetles

These striped or spotted beetles are a serious threat to vegetable gardens, especially cucurbit crops like cucumbers, squash, and melons.

• Feed on cucumbers, melons, squash, and beans.
• Can transmit bacterial wilt to plants.
• Row covers and early planting help reduce impact.

Flea Beetles

Flea beetles are small, shiny insects known for their hopping ability and their appetite for young garden plants.

• Leave “shot hole” patterns on leaves.
• Most damaging in spring when plants are young.
• Floating row covers and insecticidal soaps offer protection.

Ground Beetles

Ground beetles are usually considered beneficial insects, as they prey on a variety of garden pests such as slugs and caterpillars.

• Hunt soft-bodied insects like slugs and larvae.
• Typically active at night.
• Harmless to humans but may enter homes in fall.

Japanese Beetle

These invasive beetles feed on over 300 species of plants, including roses, grapes, and turfgrass.

• Metallic green with copper wings.
• Larvae (grubs) damage roots, while adults skeletonize leaves.
• Manual removal, traps, and grub control treatments are common solutions.

Lace Bugs

These tiny, sap-sucking insects cause aesthetic damage to trees and shrubs, especially azaleas, sycamores, and hawthorns.

• Feed on leaves, causing yellow speckling or browning.
• Often found on azaleas, hawthorns, and oaks.
• Insecticidal sprays or horticultural oils can help.

Millipedes

Millipedes are not harmful, but they can become a nuisance when they invade homes in large numbers.

• Feed on decaying plant matter.
• Enter homes during wet or dry weather extremes.
• Reduce moisture and seal entry points to keep them out.

Minute Pirate Bugs

Despite their tiny size, these bugs are fierce predators of aphids, thrips, and other garden pests.

• Prey on aphids, thrips, and mites.
• Bites feel like a sharp prick and may leave red marks.
• No control needed—simply avoid handling.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are more than an annoyance—they're public health threats due to their ability to transmit West Nile virus and other diseases.

• Transmit West Nile virus and other diseases.
• Breed in stagnant water sources like birdbaths and gutters.
• Use repellents, eliminate standing water, and consider larvicides.

Paper Wasps

Paper wasps build umbrella-shaped nests under eaves, porch ceilings, and attic rafters.

• Non-aggressive unless provoked.
• Provide pollination and pest control but will sting if threatened.
• Professional removal recommended for nests near people.

Rodents

Mice and rats are unwelcome guests that can cause significant property damage and spread disease.

• Contaminate food, chew wires, and spread disease.
• Often enter homes in fall and winter.
• Traps, bait stations, and sealing entry points are effective.

Scorpions

Although not typically aggressive, scorpions in Oklahoma can deliver painful stings and are often found under rocks, woodpiles, or inside shoes.

• Nocturnal and reclusive.
• Sting can cause swelling, pain, or allergic reaction.
• Eliminate hiding places like woodpiles and keep doors sealed.

Spiders

While spiders may be unsettling, most are beneficial predators that help keep fly and mosquito populations in check.

• Feed on insects like flies and mosquitoes.
• Common house spiders pose no danger.
• Control by reducing clutter and sealing cracks.

Spined Soldier Bug

This shield-shaped insect is a natural enemy of many crop pests.

• Recognizable by its spined shoulders.
• Helps in biological pest control.
• Harmless to humans.

Stinging Insects

This category includes bees, hornets, yellowjackets, and wasps—all of which play a role in pollination or pest control.

• Provide pollination and pest control.
• Aggressive species may build nests near homes.
• Removal should be left to professionals if nests are active.

Termites

Termites are one of Oklahoma’s most destructive pests, capable of silently damaging wood structures from the inside out.

• Subterranean termites cause billions in property damage annually.
• Work silently behind walls and under floors.
• Regular inspections and preventive treatments are crucial.

Ticks

Ticks are prevalent in grassy or wooded areas and pose a serious risk to people and pets.

• Common species include Lone Star and American dog ticks.
• Transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and more.
• Use tick prevention on pets and inspect after time outdoors.

Widow Spiders (Black Widow)

These spiders are easily recognized by their shiny black body and red hourglass marking.

• Females are venomous and may bite when disturbed.
• Bites cause muscle cramps and severe pain—seek medical help.
• Prefer dark, protected spaces like garages and sheds.

Final Thoughts on Common Pests in Oklahoma

While some of Oklahoma’s pests can be managed with DIY methods, others—like termites, bed bugs, or venomous spiders—require professional help. Proper identification and integrated pest management (IPM) strategies are essential for lasting control.

If you're dealing with persistent or dangerous pests, it’s time to call in the experts at Allstate Termite & Pest Solutions. Our team can inspect your property, identify the pests, and design a treatment plan tailored to your home or business.

Need help fast? Don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a costly problem. Reach out today to protect your home, family, and peace of mind.